Ashley Day - Director of Bristol Property Centre

Who are you, and what does it say on your business card?

I'm Ashley Day, the Director of Bristol Property Centre.

What is 'Bristol Property Centre,' and what does it do?

Bristol Property Centre is a traditional high street estate agency that specialises in property sales and rentals in the Bristol area.

What services do you offer, and how do you collaborate with your clients?

We provide a comprehensive estate agency experience, which means our day-to-day work is quite diverse. We could be conducting property viewings with first-time buyers one moment and investigating a wasp nest in one of our rental properties the next. It keeps us on our toes!

What sets your product apart, and how does it benefit clients?

Our distinguishing factor is that we're a local agency staffed by local individuals. We handle all aspects of our business from our office, ensuring that our customers don't have to deal with remote accounts or maintenance departments in distant locations.

What is your most significant accomplishment in your current role, and what made it extraordinary?

Recently, we successfully acquired one of our local competitors, resulting in an additional 150 managed properties being added to our portfolio and welcoming four new team members to the Bristol Property Centre family.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most gratifying aspect of my job is the constant problem-solving it demands. Beginning the day with complex issues and resolving them by day's end, leaving both landlords and tenants satisfied, is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you perceive as the most significant challenge currently faced by estate and letting agents?

The primary challenge we encounter is maintaining an adequate level of available properties. Some landlords are opting to exit the market, and if further legislation discourages more landlords from investing, this issue will worsen.

What is your property prediction for the next 12 months?

I anticipate that the sales market will remain relatively quiet in 2024, given the prevailing interest rates. However, I also foresee an increase in available properties as more individuals exit their fixed-term agreements and realise that their monthly expenses have become unsustainable, prompting them to downsize. Meanwhile, the rental market is likely to continue offering strong rents and yields due to the chronic shortage of supply.

Country house or city apartment?

While I live close to the centre of Bristol and appreciate city life, I do find myself drawn to the countryside from time to time, so I'd choose a country house.

Trendy roof terrace or traditional English garden?

I'd opt for a traditional English garden, and perhaps even add some pigs or sheep for a touch of countryside experience.

Would you prefer to be a free-moving tenant or a settled owner-occupier?

For me, the security of homeownership is invaluable, so I'd prefer to be a settled owner-occupier, even though I can appreciate the appeal of a more flexible, tenant lifestyle.

What is your favourite room in your home?

Currently, I'm in the process of refurbishing, so the only finished room in my home is the front room, which has become my favourite by default!

Homes under the Hammer or Location, Location, Location?

We have been fortunate enough to feature in two episodes of Homes under the Hammer this year, I try to catch it whenever I have the opportunity.